A mixed methods evaluation of the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM) online portfolio

Abstract

Background The PMM Portfolio is comprised of the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM) website, the paediatric Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine (pGALS) app and e-learning modules (ELM). The target audiences are non-specialists in paediatric musculoskeletal medicine. Our study aimed to evaluate impact on learning and clinical practice. Methods Mixed methods (analytics, online survey, interviews) were used with PMM and ELM registered users and purposive sampling of users using international contacts within paediatrics and paediatric rheumatology. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques. A Paired T-Test compared self-rated confidence before and after use of the PMM Portfolio. Results There has been wide reach for all the e-resources; PMM website (662,827 hits, 262,476 users, 214 countries, data 31st July 2020); pGALS app (12,670 downloads, 70 countries, data 31st July 2020); ELM (150 users, 30 countries, data 30th May 2019). There were 164 responses (students, trainees and health care professionals) to the survey from 25 countries. Most responders deemed the PMM Portfolio useful / very useful for their learning with significantly increased self-rated confidence in their clinical examination and reasoning skills following access to the PMM website, p = < 0.01, pGALS app, p = < 0.01 and ELM, p = < 0.01. The most popular PMM website pages related to clinical assessment techniques (especially pGALS). There was high uptake of the pGALS app and pGALS ELM especially from trainees and allied health professionals. Many clinicians reported the PMM Portfolio to be useful when used to teach others. User feedback reported that easy navigation, open access, clinical images and cases were the most valued features. User feedback highlighted need to increase awareness of the e-resources through training programmes. Conclusions The PMM Portfolio was developed to aid learning for clinicians who are not specialists in paediatric MSK medicine. Our evaluation demonstrates wide international reach and positive feedback on learning. The PMM Portfolio is a highly useful e-resource for paediatric rheumatologists in their teaching of others to raise awareness, facilitate early diagnosis and referral of children with suspected disease. The wide user engagement informed future PMM Portfolio development and the mixed method of evaluation is transferable to other e-resources.

Implementation and assessment of a structured curriculum for a 4-week pediatric rheumatology rotation for pediatric residents

“…The curriculum included interactive academic lectures, hands-on demonstrations, case-based discussions, MSK radiology conferences, topic reviews, and self-directed learning. These methods facilitated the development of cognitive and psychomotor skills, as well as the cultivation of positive attitudes toward pediatric rheumatology [ 5 – 8 , 13 ]. Previous research has shown that case-based studies are a favored option for pediatricians [ 5 ].…”

“…The Pediatric Rheumatology European Society has developed educational portfolios to enhance the knowledge of medical professionals in providing care for children with rheumatic diseases [ 8 ]. Additionally, the Pediatric Musculoskeletal Matters website ( www.pmmonline.org ) is a valuable online resource accessible worldwide to physicians and allied health professionals [ 8 , 13 ]. This resource has the potential to benefit pediatricians in their practice.…”

“…These were complemented by four sessions in the rheumatology clinic and participation in inpatient and outpatient pediatric rheumatology consultations. Pediatric residents were provided with self-study materials through the Pediatric Musculoskeletal Matters website ( www.pmmonline.org ), the pGALS application [ 8 , 13 ], and pediatric rheumatology core lectures accessible via the faculty’s online platform.…”

Pediatric rheumatology education: the virtual frontier a review

“…Pediatric musculoskeletal matters (PMM)– www.pmmonline.org/doctor and pediatric musculoskeletal matters-nursing (PMMN)– www.pmmonline.org/nurse are free and open to all, providing evidence based online resources targeting students (medical, nursing and allied health), general pediatricians, family medicine doctors, orthopedics, and community health care workers [ 15 ]. PMM includes pGALS (pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine) with multiple language translations, V-pGALS (video pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs Spine) and interactive e-modules to provide self-directed learning [ 34 – 37 ]. The PMM Editorial Board comprises pediatric MSK experts, allied health, nurses, and parent advocates from around the world to ensure the content is relevant for LRIC settings.…”

A Mixed Method Study: Defining the Core Learning Needs of Nurses Delivering Care to Children and Young People with Rheumatic Disease to Inform Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters, a Free Online Educational Resource

“…Paediatric Musculoskeletal Matters (PMM— (accessed on 31 January 2022)) is an evidence-based and peer reviewed open e-resource for paediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine targeting clinicians who are not specialists in iMSK medicine [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. PMM was launched in November 2014 and has had wide reach (221 countries with >390,153 users, >939,604 hits, Google Analytic Data October 2021) and positive feedback from around the world [ 19 ]. Through developing PMM-Nursing ( (accessed on 31 January 2022)), we aim to build on the success of PMM and expand the reach and impact to include nursing groups.…”